In Jade City at the Adalbern Embassy Theria’s team had set about bringing the buildings up to full function, giving the usually unused parts a clean and making everything presentable so Theria could keep up appearances to her station in polite society. The Adalbern Embassy covered two large warehouse building plots, built like a Keep with an open courtyard in the middle, and each side was three stories high and was two rooms and a corridor deep. With a flat roof with 13 to 14 feet of additional Crenelated walls around the edge and a raised walkway seven and a half feet above the flat top roof surface. Under the walkway were situated balistraria routinely spaced so that if Jade City were ever breached, then this Embassy may be an additional redoubt for defenders.
Theria steeled herself for the social visits she was expected to entertain at Jade City for Court. Findel demanded, for the sake of security, on writing a sign insisting that Clan Adlabern would not accept visits by groups over ten without prior written agreement, something that, with hindsight, Theria would be most grateful for.
It was two days before the Council, and the first Embassy visit from another Baron or their representatives was from Baron Pecharti in person. He was clearly in want of a wife, and Theria felt she was probably at the top of his prospect list; her ring of discernment was blue, indicating he had good will towards her but was not someone she should trust fully at this time, so she was suitably vague to his enquiries. She decided to simply pretend to lack understanding of his intentions and otherwise to appear indecisive. The meeting was awkward but went all right, considering she had thwarted the Baron's furthering of his clear agenda.
The second visit was the first time her ring flashed red that this person harboured ill will towards her and wished to do her harm. Since Baroness Rosen had been looking at her with daggers in her eyes ever since she passed Baron Pecharti outside the Embassy as he left and she approached, she had been very focused on the Baron till she turned her attention to the Duchess. Whether the Baroness's antipathy was based solely on perceived personal love rivalry and to what extent political considerations may be affected Theria wasn’t sure. The conversation appeared to be a case of Baroness Rosen trying to one up Theria, and Theria felt sharing tea with her was excruciating and not something ever to repeat, if at all possible.
Next, ten Dwarves came to the door; unlike the Ironchest Dwarves, they were all red headed and red bearded. Theria’s ring was green; they represented a group of 120 Firebeard Dwarven families looking to resettle. They revealed initially they had planned to settle on Baron Icemauler land, he had been due to meet with them a week ago but was a no show and no messager had come explaining his delay. Theria explained that she did not wish to offend Baron Icemauler, a war hero who had fought alongside her father, but that she could offer them accommodation at Big Bear City, further that if they wished for underground space for every additional two floors to the catacombs they built she would let them use one. She knew the Ironchests would suffer no other Dwarves at their Volcano, but they'd be happy with this arrangement, as would her Mycologists with expanded space in time to grow more mushrooms. She ended the meeting offering the Dwarves hospitality of her Embassy, which they gratefully accepted as it would save them coin and their hired rooms that their extended stay had cost them more than they had planned for. Smiling to herself, Theria thought if she accomplished nothing else today, it was definitely, a good day!
Next, ten adventurers came to the door asking to sign on with the Duchess's army. The rune warding revealed them to be a glamoured Ice Elf contingent visiting, and Theria’s bodyguard invited them inside before striking in unison without warning, cutting them down before they could draw their weapons. Theria thought today was still quite a good day, but this certainly put a dampener on things.
Next, ten adventurers came to the door; this time, they were as they appeared to be, but Theria’s ring flashed red, and so they were politely but firmly turned away at the door. The bodyguards were positioned, ready to react at the first hint of trouble, but none came as the adventurers just left. Theria sighed, but she was determined it was still early and still might be a good day after all…
Then Countess Threadstore visited with a diplomatic offer of marriage for her son, he was not present, and Theria was caught slightly off guard; the ring glowed yellow, which meant matters were in a state of flux and liable to change, which didn't help her subsequent discernment process of how to proceed, Theria tried to play it safe and played for time and was polite, suggesting she was in no rush and would have no interest in agreeing to anything without meeting any potential suitor to assess their temperament. Theria reflected that, given the circumstances, the meeting seemed to have gone as well as it could have.
Earl Bloodburn, a very old man, visited and recounted tales of previous wars; he had been too old for the last war, he was amusing company fond of drink, and her ring glowed blue throughout the pleasant and seemingly harmless encounter; she enjoyed her time with him, it reminded Theria of time with her Father, something she hadn't thought about for a while. After he left, she had a quiet cry and then took a moment to compose herself for her next guest.
A representative from Viscount Boon called; the ring was blue, and the conversation was about future trade arrangements and a wish to offer as apprentices ten orphans under three years old that were the Viscount's Wards if we, in return, would wish to feed and take care of them. Theria agreed before finding ten babies between six to twelve months old babies being deposited with her house staff some two hours later, one of which was green and was not of a race her team could identify. Theria's ring glowed green for each of the babies. Luckily the compound was so large, or the sleep of her people may have been adversely affected by this; Theria felt she'd been had, but taking them in would ultimately strengthen Big Bear.
A Minotaur merchant came to the door, and he had with him a large covered wagon containing 100 large enchanted spears of steadfast piercing; the Spears were the size of Ballista bolts and were for breaking a heavy cavalry charge. The merchant felt Theria might soon have use of these, and she was delighted with them. He then waived payment and Said the Beatmen had covered the cost, and both they and the Minotaurs would stand with the Bearkin when the time came, and they both agreed that time was drawing closer. Theria asked if this was in response to the envoys sent in the wake of the attack on her mother, but no, this wasn't the official response; it was something the agent on the ground could offer to do in support, and they felt this actions would be endorsed by those the Minotaur served.
The last visit of the day was arranged by Sideswipe; he ushered in six Petty Dwarves, Theria checked her ring it was blue. They had lost the contract with the Jade City Merchant's Guild to do tanning in the City to a human group that had a newer, quicker, cheaper hide-curing method. While they still had Merchant Guild contracts to provide brewing services and were expected to deliver barrels monthly to various premises in Jade City, they had just completed their deliveries for this month, and they would have a month to settle and make their next quota something that should be possible to achieve from Big Bear. Theria made the offer of relocation to the six Petty Dwarves and all their families since their clan had all been involved in the tanning or brewing trade at Jade City. Sideswipe has another surprise, and he offered the Petty Dwarves the information on the newly developed hide-curing processes the human tanners were using in return for the Petty Dwarves agreeing to swear fealty to Clan Adalbern. The Petty Dwarves took a few minutes to huddle and consult with one another at the back of the room. Then they returned ready to agree, and on this, they were united, so the Oath was made, and the hide-curing method process was revealed to the Petty Dwarves by Sideswipe.
Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.
As night begins to fall, Theria goes into the roof courtyard to practise with her ancestral High Elf blade Orcslayer and to spar with Findel. Theria and Findel were well matched, neither being able to land blows past the other's guard until unexpectedly, Theria managed to land a double hit on Findel during a sparing match that had been a stalemate; immediately after this, they were interrupted by a werewolf assassin who had been catapulted over the walls of their Embassy falling to the ground beside them with two silver blades protruding from both it’s head, and it’s heart and Findel had two fistfuls of throwing daggers out scanning the roof. Theria apologised for landing the hits and thanked Findel for her intervention. Findel had shrugged and said she'd only been sorry if Theria hadn't been able to take advantage to land the hits. The rest of the night was uneventful, and the sleep after the day's tiring events was blissful.
The first visit of the day before the Council at Jade City was Viscountess Hope Joy, who came half an hour earlier than was customary in polite society; she asked for food aid and support in case her brother attacked her, she offered her friendship, Theria’s ring was green so she agreed to aid her.
The second visit was her twin Viscount Love Joy who was clearly upset to see his twin leave and that she had visited before him. Love Joy's young Page seemed fascinated by Theria while he stood behind his Viscount. Love Joy was polite and engaging, but her ring glowed red, and Theria remained terribly polite but noncommittal in return.
After Viscount Love Joy left and went around the corner, the young Page came running back and asked if he might serve Theria, he was very sincere, and her ring glowed green since Pages weren't normally Oath sworn to their Master just to the Crown. She could understand not wanting to end up serving Vidount Love Joy for life; there and then, Theria accepted his service. Theria thought this wouldn't help her relationship with Love Joy, but she decided she could live with that. The Page was about to leave, but he returned and asked about his name, explaining he had been named Peon LoveJoy by his former master and couldn't remember if he ever had any other name. Theria thought for a while, and then she explained to the Page it was typical for the Maw of the Clan to give the surname Bera to those Wards adopted into the Adalbern Clan and to offer the fostering of these Wards to Trusted Bearkin and, as such perhaps he would allow himself to be renamed Joy Bera. Joy Bera readily accepted this, and so Theria placed her hand upon his head and vowed his adoption; a forest green energy washed out from Theria and over Joy Bera, who appeared to grow stronger, more dexterous and luckier and even to feel a greater affinity with nature, the youth was very happy. Theria smiled and thought to herself I have a real Joy Bearer here!
Next, ten adventurers came to the door; this time, they were as they appeared to be, but Theria’s ring flashed orange. They were mercenaries through and through; they would have no loyalty to her and would fight for or against her for whoever paid the most coin. This was a tough one but upon reflection, and she redirected them to the Warden of the Northern Shore; he had the most need of men and would ensure such men were on the frontline where such mercurial tendencies shouldn't have time to develop into a problem. So they were ever so politely turned away at the door. The bodyguards were positioned, ready to react at the first hint of trouble, but none came as the adventurers just left as requested. Theria smiled; she thought she had handled that about right.
Next, ten cloaked adventurers came to the door; they were not what they appeared to be, but Theria’s ring flashed green. Theria's bodyguards were positioned, ready to react as there was clearly more to this encounter than met the eye. Findel moved protectively, staying extra close to Theria during this encounter. After being ushered into the meeting chamber, the ten adventurers removed their cloaks to reveal themselves as ten young Dryads, each carrying their sapling tree. They had been sent from the Wildwoods as an act of friendship by the Dryads and to help establish closer ties with Big Bear; now, the City was starting to reveal the Bearkins true strength, and they wished to add their support and blessing to our endeavours. Theria bowed before them, bid them welcome in her house, and granted them and their decedent's residency of Big Bear.
Next, a masked and cloaked adventurer came to the door, they were a mystery as they appeared to be, but Theria’s ring glowed blue, and so they were politely invited in. The bodyguards were all positioned, ready to react at the first hint of trouble, but none came; instead, the cloaked adventurer sat and started describing a problem without revealing themselves. The masked and cloaked female adventurer declined the hospitality offered and asked a clearly rhetorical question "How can you tell a potential friend from a potential enemy?". The adventurer continued, "Which is a more true guide, (a) if one looks more like an enemy than a friend? or (b) is the enemy of our enemies more likely to be a potential friend? or (c) is it better to risk a little trust and see what happens even if this risks pain and betrayal? - What say you, Duchess Theria, Maw of the Adalbern?"
Theria pondered before replying, "I find that those who look like enemies often are, but exceptions exist; we have found that the Kobolds fighting against us are happy to work with us in peace if given a chance, and they look like our enemies Orcs and Goblins, but they do not behave like them." she paused for breath and continued in a thoughtful manner "We have reached out to the known enemies of our enemies as we fear the Icekin alliance will require all of goodwill to join to prevent it from breaking us all." then with a look of fiery determination in her eye she rallied "The Bearkin are no stranger to feeling the pain of betrayal and would seek never to feel it again, but nonetheless we risk trusting others for much more often than not we are richer for doing so. The Bearkin have never sought to betray an ally, and when relations have deteriorated, we have always been open; this is the case and sought to communicate though we are by no means faultless" The adventurer stood and thanked Theria for her counsel and promised her government would consider Theria's words and deeds most careful and then still cloaked and masked the adventurer left. Findel and Theria exchanged glances neither were sure what just happened, but hopefully, it boded well for them.
A procession of Clerics, including the High Cleric of Jade City, visited, and they were followed in by a twelve foot long DireBear. The High Cleric welcomed Theria to Jade City and offered a gift to Adelbern Clan in memory of Duchess Aurora for the use of our Warband Leader to ride into battle. This was a great gift, and the DireBear was enthusiastic about joining Clan Adelbern and was also excited to meet the Claws of Adalbern, which the DireBear duly did. Ur'sid was delighted, and the two bonded almost straight away. The High Cleric performed a blessing over the Embassy and then over Theria herself, she felt wiser, more intelligent, and more cunning, and her strength of will grew as a result. Then the procession of Clerics left the Embassy to go about their other business, leaving a strong scent of frankincense behind them that yet lingered into the following day.
Next, ten Dwarven merchants whose beards, hair and skin all looked to be shades of grey, this time as they came to the door; they were as they appeared to be, but Theria’s ring glowed blue, and so they were politely invited through the door and into the meeting room. The bodyguards were positioned, ready to react to trouble but didn't expect any. They accepted hospitality and requested seconds. They introduced themselves as representatives of the Stonefoots Dwarven in the distant mountains to the South; they were friends of my great Grandfather and recounted stories of their campaigns together. They offered us a trading relationship as they had a mithril mine and suspected that we might like access at a price we might not be able to afford the things they produced. Theria was in leather armour as they had challenged her on her ability to buy mithril items. Theria called for one of her team to bring forth her purple Adamantine helmet to be bought out and shown to the Dwarves; they were amazed to see the craftsmanship, and they appreciated the metal with wonder; they grasped that this must be Dragon wrought for to their mind it was better than what any Elf might produce. The Dwarves agreed to bring samples of their wares to Big Bear on their next trip, and now they knew we must have some things they would value in return; this boded well for the future trading relationship.
The last visit of the day was three men at arms called to offer their service, and their contract was due for renewal with a mercenary company. They were free to go back to the mercenary company and sign on for longer but hoped we might have space for them, and the ring is green for the two who lead and blue for their friend, who appears less sure and more cautious. Theria decides that her trust might be rewarded and offers them to join her forces, and they readily sign on.